Handpicked by a Peru Local Expert, we bring you our guide to 'Things to do in Cusco, Peru'.
Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is now a bustling city that offers a mix of history, culture, and adventure for travelers from around the world. Here are some of the top things to do in Cusco:
1. Visit Machu Picchu: No trip to Cusco would be complete without a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. Whether you choose to hike the Inca Trail or take the train, the views from this ancient citadel are sure to take your breath away.
2. Explore the Sacred Valley: Just outside of Cusco, the Sacred Valley is home to picturesque villages, Inca ruins, and stunning mountain scenery. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the market at Pisac and explore the ruins at Ollantaytambo.
3. Wander through the historic center: Cusco's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with colonial buildings, Inca ruins, and charming cobblestone streets. Be sure to visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Qorikancha.
4. Taste the local cuisine: Cusco is a food lover's paradise, with plenty of restaurants serving up traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and rocoto relleno. Don't forget to try a pisco sour, Peru's national cocktail.
5. Shop for handicrafts: Cusco is known for its vibrant markets, where you can find everything from alpaca sweaters and textiles to handmade jewelry and pottery. Be sure to visit the San Pedro Market for a truly authentic shopping experience.
6. Take a cooking class: Learn how to make traditional Peruvian dishes like a pro with a cooking class in Cusco. You'll get to visit a local market, sample exotic ingredients, and enjoy a hands-on cooking experience.
Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or adventure seeker, Cusco has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this fascinating city in the heart of the Andes.
Cusco: 9-Day Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca & Rural Overnight
HighlightsVisit Machu Picchu, explore Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the IncasDrive through the 'Route of the Sun' from Cusco to PunoExplore Lake Titicaca and the Uros Floating IslandsSpend a night with a local family in Amantani IslandDescriptionEnjoy the essential Peru on this fantastic 9-day journey through Peru. This journey has the flexibility to start from Cusco or Puno city (please see the ...
Cusco: Full-Day Tour of Machu Picchu
Highlights Discover the ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World Admire the stunning scenery on the train journey to Aguas Calientes Learn the history of this sacred and ancient city Description Discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with a magnificent guided expedition to the forgotten Inca city of Machu Picchu. Catch an early train to...
Cusco: Inca Jungle Backpacker Trek with Machu Picchu
HighlightsImmerse yourself in the Andean jungleVisit the spectacular Machu Picchu with a guideHike through Andes mountain villagesDescriptionDay 1: Cuzco to Malaga High Pass and Mountain Biking to Santa Maria Village (1,400 meters) Your day starts at 6:30AM with a 1.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo. There you can enjoy a quick breakfast and buy some snacks for the road to the Malaga High Pass. As y...
Cusco: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Short Version
HighlightsReturn to Machu Picchu twice - for the sunset and for the sunriseInteract and learn with experienced tour guidesVisit the cloud forest around Chachabamba and WiñaywaynaLearn about the history of the Incas with a live commentaryTravel in the Vistadome train on the way back to CuscoDescriptionDay 1: Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo Start your adventure bright and early and meet your guide at...
Cusco: Machu Picchu Small Group Tour with Tickets
Highlights Take in the stunning beauty of the Andes as you travel by train to Aguas Calientes Tour the sacred Machu Picchu complex with a local guide Step back in time as you learn about the history of the world Heritage Site Enjoy a highly personalized tour in a small-group of up to 8 people Description On this 1-day excursion you’ll visit Peru’s most important arc...
From Aguas Calientes: Machu Picchu Guided Tour
HighlightsDiscover the citadel of Machu PicchuLearn about the different myths of Machu PicchuExperience the scenery with stories of Machu Picchu history from a experienced guideDescriptionEnjoy Machu Picchu on this amazing 2-hour guided tour and discover why the Lost Citadel of the Incas is considered one of the wonders of the world. Your tour will start in Aguas Calientes, where you will get the...
From Cusco: 5-Day Journey of Colors to Machu Picchu
Highlights Discover the agricultural communities and mythical wonders of the Sacred Valley Visit spectacular Machu Picchu with an expert guide Marvel at the vibrant colors of the Rainbow Mountain Description Day 1: Cusco After getting picked up from the airport or bus terminal in Cusco, get dropped off at the hotel and enjoy some free time to settle in. Afterward, enjoy a...
From Cusco: 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Highlights Ascend the Sayllapata for some fresh mountain air Lose yourself in the majestic Peruvian highlands Trek through the paradise like Collpabamba Trace the banks of the Vilcanota River Arrive at Machu Picchu at first light Description Day 1 Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa Take an early ride from Cusco to Mollepata. Wake up to the panora...
From Cusco: 7-Day Trek to Machu Picchu Through Inca Trail
HighlightsImmerse yourself in Inca tradition, culture and historyHike the legendary Inca trail through the Peruvian AndesArrive at Machu Picchu before sunrise and the crowdsEnjoy stunning panoramic views of breathtaking valleysDescriptionDay 1: Cusco After resting from your altitude acclimation, begin with a visit to the Inca Museum, home to thousands of years of Andean culture. Continue to the te...
Salkantay Trek 5-Day Hike to Machu Picchu
HighlightsFollow in the footsteps of the Incas on a hike along the Salkantay TrekMarvel at snow-capped mountains and wild waterfalls of the AndesDiscover the 'Lost City of the Incas' with an expert guideDescriptionFollow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas and hike along the same paths they used to trek through the mountains centuries ago. Get back to nature and experience amazing views of the s...